Friends of Leaps and Bounds Pediatric Therapy

Hippotherapy is a treatment stategy used by physical, occupational, and or speech therapists that utilized equine movement as part of an integrated intervention program to acheive functional outcomes, helping children sit, stand, walk, balance, and move more independently. Children with disabilities ranging from mild to severe neuromuscular and other medical conditions, who have abnormal muscle tone, impaired balance, impaired coordination, impaired communication, impaired sensorimotor function, postural asymmetry, poor postural control, decreased mobility, and imbic system dysfunction related to arousal and attentional skills are treated.

The Sibling Support program, led by a Certified Child Life Specialist twice each week, utilizes the ranch setting and resident animals to meet the social and emotional needs of children who have a disabled sibling. The program incorporates recreation, education, and opportunities for psychological exploration and addresses the distinct challenges of feeling isolated, less important,and stressed that come with having a member of the family with a disability.

Adaptive Riding (AR) uses equine-assisted activities for the purpose of contributing positively to cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of people with disabilities.It also provides benefits in the areas of health, education, sport, recreation and leisure.AR instruction and exercises include: riding, horse anatomy,tack and and equine supplies. This pogram is designed for individuals with disabilities 4-years-old and older who would like to experience the rewarding benefits of horseback riding, horsemanship and equine knowledge. Riding is designed to improve flexibility, strength, balance, self-confidence, socialization and recreation in the outdoors. Siblings and individuals without a diagnosis are also welcomed and encouraged to ride, providing peer models for our riders.